釋迦方志 2.56

2.56

The kingdom of Siṃhala (not included in India; that is, 'holding a lion') is over 7,000 li in circuit. The capital is over 40 li in circuit, and the households are very prosperous. There are several hundred monasteries with over 20,000 monks, belonging to the Sthaviranikāya. Beside the palace is the Tooth Relic Vihāra, lofty and vast as described before. In the palace, food was provided daily for 18,000 monks; for the past decade or more it was abandoned due to rebellion in the country. In a small vihāra beside the Tooth Relic, there is a gilt-bronze seated statue, atop whose uṣṇīṣa is set a rare jewel. In the past, someone came to pay homage, saw the jewel, and gave rise to greed; stealing in at night, he could not reach the statue's head, whereupon he said: 'Formerly the Buddha thought lightly of his life for the sake of sentient beings; why are you so begrudging of a jewel now?' The statue then bowed its head and gave it to him. Later the king learned of this but did not punish him; the king ransomed the jewel and placed it back on the statue's head. To this day, its head remains bowed.